Pasta salad is the ultimate potluck hero — it feeds a crowd, travels well, and tastes even better the next day. These four globally-inspired recipes will make you the most popular person at any gathering!
Italian Caprese
Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil tossed with pasta and a balsamic glaze — a taste of Italy in every bite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta, cooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic drizzle
- Parmesan shavings
Steps
- Cook pasta al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water.
- Toss pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cubes, and torn basil.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently.
Greek Mediterranean
Tangy feta, crunchy cucumbers, briny olives, and a lemon herb dressing — this Mediterranean classic never gets old.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta, cooked
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Toppings
- Extra feta crumbles
- Fresh oregano
- Lemon wedge
Steps
- Cook pasta al dente, drain, and cool under cold water.
- Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano for the dressing.
- Combine pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta, and onion.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss well. Chill 30 minutes before serving.
Southwest Chipotle
Smoky chipotle ranch dressing, black beans, corn, and peppers give this pasta salad a bold Tex-Mex kick.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fusilli pasta, cooked
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup roasted corn
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 3 Tbsp chipotle ranch dressing
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
Toppings
- Avocado slices
- Cotija cheese
- Cilantro
- Tortilla strip crumbles
Steps
- Cook pasta, drain, and rinse with cold water.
- Combine pasta, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and cilantro.
- Toss with chipotle ranch dressing and lime juice.
- Top with avocado, cotija cheese, and crushed tortilla strips.
Asian Sesame
A crunchy, umami-packed noodle salad with a toasted sesame dressing, edamame, and loads of fresh veggies.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or soba noodles, cooked
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3 Tbsp sesame dressing
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Toppings
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onion
- Crushed peanuts
- Sriracha drizzle
Steps
- Cook noodles, drain, and rinse with cold water.
- Whisk sesame dressing, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Toss noodles with edamame, bell pepper, green onions, and carrots.
- Pour dressing over the salad and top with sesame seeds, peanuts, and sriracha.
Meal prep tip: Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says (al dente holds up better in salad). Rinse with cold water immediately. Dress the salad 30 minutes before serving for best flavor absorption.